Nico Iamaleava’s controversial transfer to UCLA could have repercussions that stretch further into his career than expected. After Iamaleava demanded $2 million more in NIL money from Tennessee and sat out of practice, the Vols cut ties with the 20-year-old quarterback.
Iamaleava will make $1.5 million next season with the Bruins – almost $1 million less than he was set to make at Tennessee. His impatience and immediate need for more money have not only cost him in the present but potentially in the future.
Iamaleava had led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff as a redshirt freshman, and he displayed plenty of potential in his first year as a starting quarterback. He threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns with a 70.5 quarterback rating.
On his Always College Football podcast, former Alabama star and commentator Greg McElroy reflected on the poorly judged decision Iamaleava and his team made by pushing for short-term money instead of building a potential legacy with an SEC powerhouse.
“What kind of money was left on the table by Nico Iamaleava as far as lifetime earnings are concerned? I can see that $2.5 million is a million more than $1.5 million, I know he lost a bunch there,” McElroy said. “How much did he lose by leaving Tennessee, where he could have become one of the all-time great quarterbacks in Tennessee football history? The money earned today is not a tangible asset compared to what could be made down the road. Had he gone out, had an incredible year, made the playoffs, made it to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist … what would that contract have actually been worth?
“There’s no telling … We can talk about the NFL, but people are walking away from good situations where they could have a lifetime of earnings from one specific school in favor of the ‘Hey, I’ve gotta get mine today.’ That’s a very shortsighted viewpoint.”
Iamaleava will look to rewrite a story that has gone sour in the eyes of many when he embarks on his next chapter with UCLA.